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History and traditions of the Maoris of the West Coast, North Island of New Zealand, prior to 1840

Te Pehi-Kupe Goes to England. — 1825—6

Te Pehi-Kupe Goes to England.
1825—6.

About 1823 and 1824 ships began to frequent Kapiti to trade in the prepared fibre of the flax, and as the Maoris were paid in muskets and ammunition, Ngati-Toa gradually began to acquire a good many of these arms with which to extend their conquests to the South Island, which Te Rau-paraha had apparently long desired to carry into execution. The South Island people, having joined those living on the north shores of Cook's Straits in the unsuccessful attack on Ngati-Toa at Kapiti Island when the battle of Wai-o-rua was fought, gave Te Rau-paraha a further inducement to execute his project. It was just at this time—1824—that Te Pehi-kupe, emulating Hongi, made up his mind to visit England at the first opportunity in order to acquire arms and ammunition, From the Hon. R. McNab's "Historical Records of New Zealand," Vol. I., p. 635, we are able to ascertain the exact date that Te Pehi left. Captain Reynolds, of the ship "Uranea," writing to Earl Bathurst, 18th April, 1825, thus refers to the matter:—"As I was passing through Cook's Straits on the 26th February, 1824, I was becalmed about five or six miles from the land when I perceived three canoes full of savages coming towards the ship. I then prepared the ship ready for action. The grand war-canoe then came within hail, and by motions I made them understand to keep off. The chief Tippahe Cupa (Te Pehi-kupe) showed every sign of peace, and I perceived shortly after they were all peaceably inclined. The chief, in his great war-canoe, came alongside, which I could not prevent unless I had fired into them; and if I had, a good deal of mischief might have been done. The man jumped on board naked (except a mat over his body, leaving the remainder of his dress in the canoe) and made signs for arms, and I gave him to understand I had none to give him, and then he led me to understand that he would stay on board and go to Europe and see King George, which words he pronounced plain enough to be understood. I then ordered him to go into his canoe again, but he had ordered her off and would not allow her to come near the ship. I attempted to heave him overboard so as page 405the canoes might pick him up. But he, perceiving my design, put it out of my power. A breeze at that time springing up he ordered all the canoes to leave for the shore, and told them he was going to Europe and that he would soon return again (as he has told me since). The next day I attempted to put him ashore near the eastern mouth of Cook's Straits, and in doing so I only just escaped losing the ship, therefore I was obliged, much against my inclination, but to his satisfaction, to make sail and leave the island for my port of destination—Lima…. This man, when he came on board, was a complete savage, but I have taken a great deal of pains with him to civilize him, for when I was in Lima he lived ashore with me; wherever I went he went with me. He lived on shore with me at Monte Video and at Buenos Ayres, and all the time he was on board he lived at my table, and I clothed him and kept him clothed in European fashion ever since he came under my care. He has been a heavy expense to me these thirteen months."… Te Pehi was very ill in England and was nursed through it by Captain Reynolds. Captain Reynolds farther reports—10th October, 1825—that Te Pehi "was taken on board H.M. hired ship ' The Thames' on Thursday last, agreeable to directions forwarded to me, and that he took with him a considerable quantity of wearing apparel, carpenters' tools, agricultural utensils, with sundry other articles necessary for his passage out and comfort when at New Zealand." The British Government paid Captain Reynolds a sum of £200, and expenses incurred in connection with Te Pehi, £48.

Te Pehi returned via Sydney, and from there got back to New Zealand, but the date is uncertain; it has been stated as 1829, but may have been earlier. He was eventually killed at Kaiapohia in 1830. The anonymous work entitled "The New Zealanders," published as one of the volumes of the "Library of Entertaining Knowledge," for 1830, describes Te Pehi's residence in England, and gives his portrait, etc.